Home > Tactics > Decision Velocity > Low-Context Communication

Problem: When communication lacks details, team members often need to ask follow-up questions, slowing down progress.

Solution: Use clear, direct communication that includes all necessary information so everyone can understand and act without extra clarification.

Intro:

In low-context communication, the communicator doesn’t assume the recipient has any background knowledge on the topic. The burden is on the communicator to provide all necessary information—such as Single Source of Truth links, definitions, key contacts, or recent updates—so the recipient can act without needing to ask for more. Anticipating these needs allows teams to make decisions independently and reduces time-consuming follow-up.

Tools:

• Effective low-context communication is:
• Explicit, not implicit
• Direct, not indirect
• Simple, not complex
• Comprehensive, not partial
• A guiding principle is “Say Why, Not Just What.”
• Transparency builds stronger teams, ensures clear documentation, and supports uninterrupted workflows.
• Every announcement or decision should clarify why a change is happening, not just what is changing.
• Leaders don’t need to explain every alternative, but they should offer a concise rationale.
• This clarity prevents speculation, strengthens institutional knowledge, and fosters trust—a vital ingredient in remote work environments.
• Each business function may have unique standards for low-context communication. If you see misaligned decisions, start by aligning expectations around contextual clarity to strengthen cohesion across teams.